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MotoGP Season Launch Gains Global Interest After Successful Bangkok Event
Dorna’s sporting director, Carlos Ezpeleta, has announced that several cities are eager to host the MotoGP season launch next year, following a triumphant inaugural event in Bangkok, Thailand. The launch took place in the vibrant city on a Sunday, where nearly the entire MotoGP entourage participated in a grand parade before heading to Buriram for the concluding pre-season activities.
In a strategic effort to expand its global presence, Dorna had dedicated the past year to meticulously planning this event, marking it as the kickoff for every MotoGP season moving forward. Although the initiative originated in 2023, logistical challenges prompted a delay, ultimately focusing on executing a successful launch for the 2025 season.
The substantial turn-out at One Bangkok Square and the positive reactions from participants suggest that the event was well-received. Initial discussions regarding the event had been ongoing for months, but it wasn’t until Dorna executives visited Thailand during last year’s grand prix in October that the plans were finalized. This decision followed an extensive evaluation of the location, which Ezpeleta has referred to as a ‘jewel.’
Despite the complexities of organizing such a large-scale event, Dorna successfully navigated these issues and is optimistic about making the season launch a recurring occasion. “We already have other cities interested in hosting this event next year,” Ezpeleta shared with Autosport. He acknowledged that many cities aspire to host a MotoGP race in their downtown areas, which is logistically unfeasible at this time, but emphasized that such events help bridge the gap between the sport and urban fans.
Ezpeleta highlighted a figure that speaks to the sport’s growing appeal: ticket sales are up 35% compared to last year. “Dorna’s focus over the last three decades has been to elevate the sport. Now that we have established a solid foundation, we are eager to welcome new fans. Initiatives like this event indicate we are heading in the right direction,” he added.
The festivities in Bangkok began with a photoshoot featuring all available riders alongside their MotoGP bikes at the picturesque Marble Temple. As the day progressed, excitement mounted with the public gathering around the stage in anticipation of rider appearances. The riders later thrilled fans with demo runs on their bikes.
Pre-recorded messages from injured riders Jorge Martin, Raul Fernandez, and Fabio Di Giannantonio were also shared, enhancing fan engagement during the event. Ducati’s Marc Marquez remarked, “Dorna is committed to promoting our sport, which is why we had to be here in Bangkok.” His teammate Francesco Bagnaia echoed this sentiment, calling the event “spectacular.” Marco Bezzecchi expressed his appreciation, stating, “We had a great time; they made it very easy for us and it was a pleasure.”
Following the Bangkok festivities, teams and riders traveled to Buriram for the final pre-season testing. The Thai circuit will host two days of testing before the official season begins on 28 February to 2 March.
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